November 14, 2019
From left to right: author-illustrator David Macaulay, Conservancy President Susan Gibbs, and Martin Mahoney, Director of Curatorial Operations at the Norman Rockwell Museum.
The Conservancy is thrilled to share the news of our involvement in an exciting new exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Entitled Finding Home: Four Artists' Journeys , it highlights the work of four artists who immigrated to the US at various stages in their lives. One of the artists featured is author-illustrator David Macaulay, who traveled aboard the SS United States as a boy — departing his native England for his new home in America.

As many of our supporters are aware, Macaulay chronicled his relationship to the Big U in his latest book, Crossing on Time: Steam Engines, Fast Ships and a Journey to the New World . The new exhibition prominently features illustrations from this moving book, along with a selection of items on loan from the Conservancy's permanent curatorial collection.

One of the highlights is an exceptional item, on public display for the first time: an 11-foot-long, vintage model of the SS United States donated to the Conservancy by the children of Douglas F. Bushnell.
An 11-foot-long model of the SS United States , on public display for the first time at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The Conservancy is grateful to the children of Douglas F. Bushnell for donating this spectacular item to our collection.
Conservancy President Susan Gibbs reflected on this powerful new exhibit:

“Norman Rockwell was an American original who captured our nation’s singular spirit in his work, just as the SS  United States  is a unique achievement and symbol of our nation the world over. The history of immigration and that of transatlantic ocean liners — culminating in the great SS United States — are closely connected. David Macaulay’s childhood journey aboard America’s Flagship, as rendered in his exquisite illustrations, helps convey the vessel’s unique role in shaping the American story.”

We strongly encourage our supporters to make the journey to Stockbridge for this dazzling exhibition. Finding Home runs now through May 2020 at the Norman Rockwell Museum, and additional programs and events are planned. Learn more at our blog , where we'll soon be sharing more photos from the opening celebration.
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
A photo of the SS  United States  being towed to Turkey for remediation in 1992. Photo courtesy of an anonymous donor, archived in 2019.
From the Conservancy's inception, we have focused on acquiring items from and related to the SS United States and United States Lines for future public display and educational outreach.

Our ultimate goal is to create a shipboard museum aboard the redeveloped Big U, allowing our extensive archive of artifacts and photographs to be showcased in a permanent public display. In doing this, we will help preserve the legacy of America's Flagship for future generations, so that she may continue to inspire for decades to come.

In recent months, the Conservancy has acquired a number of significant additions to our private curatorial collection, including:


While our curatorial holdings have grown significantly thanks to our generous supporters, we continue to seek unique in-kind donations to the Conservancy's permanent collection.

If you are in possession of historical items related to the SS United States and are interested  in donating them to the SS United States Conservancy   CLICK HERE  to get started.

If you're not yet ready to part with your items but would be interested in loaning them temporarily for upcoming exhibitions — similar to the Norman Rockwell Museum exhibition featured in this update — please CLICK HERE to fill out our Loan Object Survey. If you have any additional questions, please contact  Allee Davis , our Outreach & Preservation Director.
"For me, the SS United States represents much more than just an engineering marvel. She represents a time when America could always improve upon existing technology and make it better, faster, and more efficient. For future generations, she represents ability that we once had, let drift away, but [which we] can and will reclaim.‬" – Dr. Marie Prewett
Photo courtesy of The Ornament Guy.
Looking for an easy gift idea that's certain to please? For just $25 plus shipping, you can own one — or more — of these beautiful, hand-painted ornaments depicting the SS  United States  at sea! 

By purchasing one of these collectible ornaments, hand-painted by Mike Riehl, a.k.a.  The Ornament Guy , you will be helping to support the Conservancy's crucial mission to save America's Flagship. These beautiful items are hand-painted, and have been been designed exclusively for the SS United States Conservancy. Ornaments are 2 5/8″ diameter, and each will be signed, numbered, and dated.

 
Limit 4 ornaments per order. For larger orders or shipments outside the U.S., please contact  [email protected] . All ornaments are made to order, so please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.
 
If you are interested in receiving your ornament before December 25th, 2019, please be sure to place your order before December 15th. 
"[The SS United States ] was built at a time when 'made in America’ really meant something, and that is a legacy that cannot be lost."   — H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest (1930-2018)